HG Openhouse Blog

 In keeping with last week’s post, I thought it might be fun to do some planning of our Thanksgiving Day menu. I have a couple of dishes in mind, because there are certain tastes that my family expects on Thanksgiving. However, I will do some searching for a surprise or two. It’s always fun to try a new recipe. Who knows maybe it will become next year’s tradition.

That’s what happened last year. I made Jiffy Corn Casserole for the first time. It will definitely be on our table again this year. This makes a perfect dish if you find yourself serving any vegetarians. For the meat eaters we will have turkey and stuffing. I make a low fat stuffing that we love!!

My first suggestion for a great stuffing is buy delicious bread!! Bread is the primary ingredient so don’t scrimp on it. I buy a wonderful multi grain bread, shred it the night before and let it set out to dry just a little. In the morning I saute celery and onion, and add poultry seasoning and Mrs. Dash. I mix that together with the bread crumbs, vegetable broth, and a can of sliced water chestnuts. I would love to give you exact measurements, but like my mother I make this one to taste. Finally, I either stuff the turkey and bake it together, or place it in a covered baking dish set in a pan of water and bake it  in the oven. (The pan of water will keep it from drying out.)

After those main dishes, we will have a vegetable. I am thinking of making the Shredded Brussel Sprouts recipe I found at All Recipes. They have a great page called: Thanksgiving Recipes for Beginners to Experts. We also like the Spinach Cheese Bake I found at Cooks.com.  Of course, I will make a small dish of mashed potatoes. We will have have Rainbow Slaw: I take a bag of rainbow slaw, add craisins, a little onion, almonds, bacon bits, and toss with a sweet/sour dressing. Finally, I will also serve cranberry sauce, biscuits, and muffins.

I believe I gained a few pounds just writing this post! LOL But we can’t forget about dessert. I’m sure many of you are fabulous dessert chefs. I am not! So, I will purchase our favorite pumpkin pie and top it with whipped cream.

Okay, you know what’s coming!! We want to know those delectable delights you will be placing on your table this Thanksgiving. Do you have a fabulous dish you take along to a family gathering, or will you be preparing the whole meal? If you’re willing, please share your little menu tips and secrets that make the Thanksgiving meal special for your family.